Opel Mokka

Not the most exciting mini SUV to consider in the compact crossover segment, but the Opel Mokka is very practical and comes with a generous amount of specification as standard.

Performance

The Opel Mokka comes with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine. The petrol engines range from a 1.4i with 140bhp mated to a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic and a 1.6i with just 120bhp mated to a 5-speed manual. The diesel option is the latest 1.6 CDTi available from Opel with 140bhp which is available with a 6-pseed automatic or a 6-speed manual with 4x4 capability. The 1.4i petrol is quite economical but the 1.6 CDTi really gives the Mokka that SUV muscle and is also smooth and refined.

Ride & Handling

While the Mokka provides a smooth ride more suited to motorway cruising, it’s not too happy if you get enthusiastic behind the wheel. Because of its soft setup and supple ride, handling is compromised by way of body roll and it is quite slow to change direction. While its steering is sharp and precise, it tends to go a little wide if you push it too hard in bends. Its compact SUV size however does make it easy to use around towns and villages which most owners will be very happy with.

Refinement

The Opel Mokka is available in four trim levels. These are S, SC, SE and SRi. It may not be the prettiest Opel in the model range, but inside is as well built and put together as the rest of the range. The cabin doesn’t feel quite as sophisticated as its Meriva sibling and the only real let down is the centre console that features quite a confusing array of buttons and toggles that can make it hard to find and use some of the controls. It is very well kitted out as standard however with features like cruise control, auto headlights, air conditioning and DAB digital radio with Bluetooth.

Quality & Reliability

The Opel Mokka is likely to get the interior and dashboard styling of the new Opel Astra sometime in the future, but for the moment, it lacks the aesthetic appeal and style that the new Astra brings. There is no doubting the quality of materials used, but the placement and design of some of the contrast aluminium inserts and finish lack the finesse of other Opel’s in the range. The seats are very comfortable however offering lots of support and adding considerably to drive comfort levels.

Safety & Security

The Mokka passed the Euro NCAP crash safety test with flying colours and a full five star rating. It did so thanks to its solid construction and standard level of safety kit to protect passengers. There is a full host of six airbags, ISO-FIX, emergency autonomous braking system that will automatically brake the car if it detects imminent impact in traffic. It also electronic stability control as standard.

Space & Practicality

The compact size of the Mokka make it easy to use around town and manoeuvre into tight spots like a small hatchback. Raised ride height means visibility is good too. Despite its compact size and looks, front and rear seats passengers benefit well from good leg and headroom. There is good storage capacity throughout the cabin too with large door pockets and clever gloveboxes. Boot size is very good too with a 360 litre capacity while the rear bench also folds in a 60:40 split to create 1372 litres of space.